The fashion scene is (and always has been) *exploding* with Black talent, and industry veterans are advocating for it to be seen. Just a little over a week after Lindsay People Wagner and Sandrine Charles’ Black In Fashion Council highlighted a handful of rising labels at NYFW, emerging Black-owned jewelry designers are now getting that same well-deserved recognition, thanks to Melanie Grant.To get more news aboutbest jewelry design and custom websites, you can visit jewelryhunt.net official website.

The journalist and author of Coveted: Art and Innovation in High Jewelry joined forces with premier luxury marketplace Sotheby’s to debut its first-ever "Brilliant and Black Showcase." Held from September 17 to 26, the exhibit features 21 Black jewelry designers from the United States and Europe, displaying pieces spanning from $5,000 to upwards of $1 million.
While some of these up-and-coming designers may not yet be on your radar, many of them are already sitting in several A-listers' jewelry boxes. You’ve heard of Rihanna, right? Turns out that the singer-turned-fashion designer flaunted Thelma West’s iconic 5-carat Rebel Black ring (pictured above) at the 2021 Met Gala—accompanied by her comforter-inspired ensemble by Balenciaga, nonetheless. It’s not her first time sporting the Nigerian designer’s jewels, either—take a peek at her Essence Magazine cover for more of West's sparklers. Net-net: expect to see the jeweler splashed all across your Instagram feed in no time.

If you’re in the New York area, clear your schedule to check out the showcase IRL. But if not, no worries—we’ve got you covered. Below, read on to learn all about the four designers that will be a part of Sotheby’s Brilliant and Black Showcase.
1. Thelma West
In addition to the Fenty founder, Thelma West has a devoted celebrity following that includes the likes of Angela Bassett and Zendaya—and it’s easy to see why. Founder Thelma West turned her lifelong admiration of gems into a business when she launched the London-based label back in 2012. Ever since it was born, the brand has released one unique dazzler after another.
2. Jacqueline Rabun
Jacqueline Rabun has been gracing the world with her talents for quite a while. After touching down in London, the jewelry designer debuted her first collection, "Raw Elegance,” in 1990. As for today, Rabun is using Brilliant and Black Showcase as a platform to showcase gems from her Black Love collection. Rabun says in a press release, "I am honored to take part in this historic exhibition curated by Melanie Grant for Sotheby's to showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of jewelry designers of color.” While browsing, take note of the statement ring rendered in 18k yellow gold and rutilated quartz crystal—it's sure to disappear in a flash.
3. Maggi Simpkins
Los Angeles-based brand Maggi Simpkin follows a rather unique approach to engagement ring-making. To ensure every piece is one-of-a-kind, the designer sits down with every customer to talk through their life experiences. The result: Truly distinct pieces that tell a story. (Check out its Instagram for further proof). If there’s any indication the exhibit is going to create buzz, it’s the fact that the designer created a million-dollar 2.43-carat fancy pink ring created exclusively for the showcase—which, if sold, will be the most expensive piece of jewelry made by a female Black designer to ever be sold at a global auction.
4. Marei New York
"It is an absolute honor to be selected as one of the designers of African descent for this monumental first-of-its-kind selling exhibition at Sotheby’s New York,” Marei New York’s founder Angie Marei says in a press release. The Egyptian and Dominican designer's pieces range from $10,000 pearl rings to $83,000 diamond hoop earrings—all of which are inspired by design codes from Ancient Egypt, as well as Art Deco and Gothic architecture.

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